Universal joint



Oct. 16, 1945.

Filed Feb. 5. l

J. R. SNYDER UNIVERSAL JOINT 942 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 rlllllll/llz,

ATTORNEYS BY W Oct. 16,1945. J, R, SNYDER 2,386,754

UNIVERSAL JO INT Filed Feb. 5. 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ["8 f .ff

ATTORNEYS resilient medium an improved universal vide an improved Patented oet. is, 194s S PATENT OFFICE.

essere: conversar. .iom'r im anni spyder,

ompson corporation of h10 Application Oleveland, Ohio, assigner to neta, Ine.. ClV

eveland, Ohio, a

February 5, 1942. Serial N0. 29,671

, This invention relates to torque-tranmnltting universaljoints and, as one of its objects, aims to provide an improved universal joint embodying a capable of absorbing vibrations and shocks so as to prevent such vibrations vand shocks from being transmit 1 ted with the torque. ,Another object o! my invention is t provide joint of this character in which the resilient medium is arranged to permit relative floating of one of the-joint members.

Still another object of my invention is to prouniversal joint of this character in which bearing means supporting one of the joint members permits relative rocking thereof andthe resilient medium cooperates with such joint member so as to cushion said relative rocking and absorb vibrations and shocks from the torque being transmitted.

A further object oi my'invention is to provide an improved universal joint of the character inentioned which will be well ansmitting the end movement and change ot y Vangle of the propeller shaft will be readily accommodated without need for a slip-spline connection and without causing twisting or stretching of the resilient cushioning and vibration-absorbing medium.

It is also an object pi this invention to provide an improved Vuniversal joint of the kind having a roller-carrying joint member which is rockable and slidable in 4a second iointmember to accommodate angularity oi a torque-transmitting shaft, and wherein a resilient medium embodied ln the universal joint cushions and absorbs shocks and blows so as to prevent the rollers. or otherwise damaging the bearing which they` cooperate.

Yet another object oi' my invention is to provide an improved universal joint containing a quantity of loose, dry powder 'for lubricating its bearing surfaces and moving parts.

The invention may be further briefly summarized as consisting in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and particularly set out in the appended claims.

In vthe accompan sheets or drawings:

longitudinal sectional view taleey surfaces with Fig. l'ls a through a universal joint embodying my invenf tion;

VFig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken` through the joint on line I-I of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 isa partial longitudinal sectional view takenthroughthejointonllnel-lofllg. l;

from peenlng esami or intermediate giuneway is Fig. 'l is another partial longitudinal sectional view taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

Further and more detailed reference will now be made to the drawings for the purpose of describing the construction and operation of the illustrated embodiments oi my invention, but before proceeding with the detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular universal joints illustrated. but may be embodied in various other universal joint structures. Y

In the form of my universal joint illustrated in Figs. l to 4. inclusive, 1 show a pair of joint members iii and ii which cooperate with each other so as to permit swiveling or universal movement therebetween and are used to connect a pair of torque-transmitting shafts i1 and |3.` M'y improved universal joint may be used to transmit torque or driving force for various purposes but suitable for use in the propulsion of joint is applied to this particular use, the torque-transmitting shaft i2 represents the transmission housing and the the propeller shaft extending tothe axle'houslng.

As shown in Fig. l, the joint member ii may be connected directly to the propeller shaft i3. The directly to the will be explained presently, the joint member iii is supported in the outer housing il so as to be capable of limited relative rocking movement which is cushioned or controlled by a resilient' of eliminating shocks and medium for therpurpose vibrations from the torque being transmitted.

The joint member lli is in the form of a hollow unitary casing into which' one end of the joint member il extends. This hollow casing is elongated transversely of the axis of 'rotation of the universal joint and may be guiar cross-sectional shape having axially extending substantially cylindrical passages or guideways therein. These guldeways include a and outer of generally quadran- :eser stese sessies 2 9,386,754 Y guideways Il and I8 on opposite sides 1rounded by a flared or bell-simped nge nl; to o and communicating with, such central or inwhich a sealing sleeve 35 surrounding the stem ermediate guideway. and t ese guideways colbe connected. e sleeve 35 may be a lectively form a non ted member molded from Vrubber or other he inneienruf tesleeve 1 Yfe =fwi *.1 the tirfpation, :u i The outer endv oi'V the seevevhas a -lrded portionb which surrounds and resilq the stem lia. Y r end el' the o provided with a tapered or frustaeatf Y extends into the openthe hollow joint member I i Ila. The sleeve 35 is left open at both ends thereof, as sh suilllitld F l'esilijeiaii; topermit angudmWngS- Y Y if .rleiiifeiili'eerm: the stem ila and The joint member I I may comprise a stem or the ilange 2lb tightly Enough to maintain the rod portion IIa which extends into the inter-VY tl` 'outer-housing Il sealed p ainsi; the 105s 0i' lli.` mediate axially extending guideway I6 of the brisant caftheenV niivvitteV tigt; V f hollowj nt member III and is provided at its ini A eignliiotter. 'i e ner end with a. ball-like head portion lib which ne' VVrriogtlci to old t of the Joint member H Yesegui centered with respect to the rotation axis I9. The 5 nner end of the 1i joint member Il also includes a transverse pin Ill videtfj and a pair of ball elements or rollers 2| and 2! sel; shrew iJwhichi-ecgeiv end ottlfieslringrllt., f Y n Y Antworten, Attest Ila 35 2 may be roapart. These either with the Y v joint member I0, Dri-1192*# shown in this instan e,

v with the curved gularity with respect to the `the outer housing. Y* n rotation axis I8 while torque is being transmitted, faces arerhnde substantiliy eoncen and the ability o! the .joint member II to slide in rotation axis I! so that the hollow the hollow Joint member i el ates the need 55 yIII will always be centered 'withVir for a slip-spline connection with either of the rotation axis.

Forjresisting or lLv splined sleeve por- 65- tion 32 into which the splined end of the shaft I! extends and is retained by the nut 33.

The cover section 28 may be connectedwith the cup section 21 ot the r suitable way, and in this instance, telescopes over 70 Y' the cup section and is retained thereon by means 'ot the locking rivets 34 e transverse viralir of V snoei A t the cover section 28 is provided with an opening 4and outer n Y f t! ugh which the stem I la of the joint memthem into the outer hllling It that the hollow .ioint member Il and 45 assist the One or both side faces of the strip-like rubber bodies 42 may be provided with a facing in the form of a sheet Il of relatively thin, nexible metal which may be bonded or otherwise united to the rubber. Both the rubber of the strip-like bodies I2 and the metal facing 43 conform to the shape or curvature of the hollow ioint member and outer housing, as shown in Fig, 2, so that there will be no space or looseness between the cushioning elements l2 'and the conilning portions of the hollow joint member and outer housin- The hollow Joint member Il is held against lany substantial axial movement in the outer housing Il by'means of ring-like rubber bodies and I5 which also serve as gaskets for the ends of the hollow Joint member. The rubber bodies or gaskets Il and lS-also serve to hoidthe bearing elements 3l against axial shifting in the grooves llo. Additionally, the rubber bodies or gaskets locking rivets Il in retaining the cover section 2B of the outer housing on the cup section 21. When this cover section is placed on the cup section 21. sufficient axial pressure is applied to compress the gaskets I4 and l5 and bring the openings I of the cover section into register with the openings l1 of the cup section. When these openings are in register, the heads Ila of the rivets 34 can be inserted, whereupon the axial pressure is released portion of the cover section moves outwardly into overlying relation to the inner heads ila. thus retaining the rivets in piace while the rivets in turn lock the cover against being accidentally disconnected from the cup section 21.

For lubricating the bearing. surfaces and moving parts of my improved universal joint, I may place a quantity of suitable lubricant in the hollow Joint member i0. This lubricant may be oil or any other suitable lubricating material, but I prefer to use a quantity of loose, dry powder Il, such as calcium stearate or graphite. This powder forms a lubricating illm on the bearing surfaces and moving parts, which film is resistant to wear and contributes to the long life of the universal joint. Such loose,` dry powder is conanda:

tlnually agitated during the use of the universal ioint and is more easily and satisfactorily retained in the4 structure by the sealing sleeve l! and the gaskets 4I and IB than would be the case with lubricants in the forms of oils or greases. Another important lng powder is that its lubricating qualities are substantially unaiected by temperature changes. If desired. some of the lubricating powder IB may also be placed in the spaces ll between the hollow joint member III and the outer housing il for the purpose of lubricating the bearing strips Il and the surfaces I! and Il with which they cooperate.

In Figs. 5 to 8. inclusive, I show a modified form of my universal joint in which the joint members lo and ii and the outer housing il have the same construction and general arrangement as in the universal joint shown in Fig. l and described above. In the modified form of my universal joint. however, the metal facing or facings have been omitted from the strip-like rubber bodies B0 which form the cushioning medium between the hollow joint member ii and the outer housing.

Another variation in the modified universal joint is that the gasket-like body Il of Fig. l has been omitted and the axially extending cushioning strips Il have been provided with angular advantage for this iubricatextensions Ulla whichy wall 28 of the cup section 21 and the adjacent end of the hollow joint member I0. The bearing strips 5i also differ from the bearing strips IB of Fig. l in that the strips Si have hook portions Sla which extend around one end.of the hollow joint member Il to prevent these bearing'strips from shifting axially toward the end wall 2b of the cup section 21. Shifting of these strips in the opposite direction is prevented by the rubber body or gasket I5.

Since there are four of the cushioning rubber strips B0 disposed between the hollow joint member l0 and outer housing il at 90 intervals, the extensions 50a will not form a continuous gasket around this end of the hollow joint member, but intervening openings 52 will extension portions 60a, and these openings will provide communication between the interior of the hollow joint member il and the outer spaces 63. These communicating openings will permit lubricant such as the dry, loose powder 48 to reach and lubricate the bearing strips 6l -and the bearing surfaces with which they cooperate. In all other respects, the universal joint shown in Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, is substantially identical with the universal joint shown in Figs. l to 4, inclusive.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, it will now be readily seen that I have provided an improved, universal joint struc.

ture in which the joint member Ii is rockable and slidable in the hollow joint member l0 so as to permit angularity of the shalt i3 without requiring the use of a slip-Spline connection for either of the torque-transmitting shafts. It will also be seen that the joint member i I is centered in the hollow joint member i0 by the cooperation of the head portion i Ib with the cylindrical bearing surfaces 16a, and the hollow joint member In is rockably centered in the outer housing il by the bearing elements 38 and 5i. The joint members are thus centered withrespect to the rotation axis I9 so that the tendency to produce vibration will be minimized. Additionally, it will be seen that the cushioning rubber bodies 42 and 50 are embodied ln the universal joint itself and will yieldingly oppose the relative rocking of the hollow joint member ill rand will `absorb shocks and hammer-like blows. as well as vibrations and noises. The absorption of these undesirable factors by the cushioning bodies will prevent the rollers or ball elements from peening or otherwise damaging the bearing surfaces and will also prevent these factors from being transmitted with the torque to mechanisms where they might produce harmful results. It is important to note also that the cushioning rubber is subjected only to compression and is never subjected to twisting or stretching. Furthermore, it will be seen that my improved universal joint provides a construction which can be easily assembled and serviced and in which the use of a loose, dry powder as lubricant will enable the joint to render satisfactory service throughout a prolonged period. At certain points I have referred to the use of rubber as.the cushioning medium and as the material from which the gaskets and sealing sleeve are formed. I desire it to be understood, however, that the word "rubber" as used herein is intended to include natural rubber, synthetic rubber which is resistant to the deteriorating action of lubricants, and all other appropriate rubber-like substances or rubber substitutesA While I have illustrated and described my irnextend between the end 4 occur between the `Speciir details and features herein disclosed, but regard nrvinvention as including such changes Eind modlcations as come within the scope of -i:he appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A universal joint comprising, a unitary hollow joint member elongated in a direction transversely of the axis of rotation of the joint and having bearing surfaces therein defining a cor- Fespondingly elongated opening, a second Joint member adapted for connection with a rotatable means extending into said with said hollow joint member a ilexible torque-transmitting connection, Said means being both rockable and axially slidable in the bearing surfaces defining said opening, an outer housing adapted for connection with a .Second rotatable member and having therein an Opening elongated transversely of said'axis of rotation and in which said hollow joint member 3s' disposed, and resilient vibration-absorbing rubber located between said outer housing and hollow joint member at points offset from said Axis of rotation and permitting limited relative rocking of the hollow joint member in said outer housing, said rubber being subjected to compres- $ion, as distinguished from shear or tension, between said hollow joint member and outer hous ing during the transmission of torque through *the universal joint.

2. In a. universal joint structure embodying a hollow joint member into which a second joint lmember extends, said hollow joint member havlng longitudinally coextending spaced cylindrical bearing surfaces therein and said second joint member being both rockable and longitudinally `siidable in said cylindrical bearing surfaces, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with a torque-transmlttmg member, means centering Said hollow joint member in said outer housing 2nd permitting rocking of said hollow joint member relative to said outer housing, and vibrationabsorbing resilient rubber disposed between said hollow joint member and outer housing.

3. In a universal joint. a hollow unitary joint member having bearing surfaces therein. a second joint member extending into said hollow member and having means in rockable and longitudinally siidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torque-transmitting swivel connection, said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said pair of shafts, bearing means supporting said hollow joint member in said outer housing so as to permit relative rocking therebetween, and resilient rubber between said hollow joint member and outer housing for cushioning said relative rocking.

4. A universal joint comprising, a unitary hollow joint member elongated in a direction transversely of the axis of rotation of the joint and having bearing surfaces therein dening a cor` respondingly elongated opening, a second joint member adapted for connection with a rotatable member and having means extending into said opening and forming with said hollow joint member a flexible torque-transmitting connection, seid means being both rockable and axially snaable in the bearing surfaces dening said opening, an outer housing adapted for connection with a second rotatable member and having therein an opening elongated transversely of said axis of rotation and in which said hollow joint member is disposed, resilient vibration-absorbing rubber located between said outer housing and hollow joint member at points oilset from said axis of rotation and permitting limited relative rocking of the hollow joint member in said outer housing, said rubber being subjected to compression, as distinguished from shear or tension, between said hollow joint member and outer housing during the transmission of torque through the universal joint, a quantity of dry lubricating powder loose in said hollow joint member for lubricating said bearing surfaces and the lubricating qualities of which powder are substantially unaffected by temperature changes, and means for retaining said powder in said hollow joint member.

5. In a, universal joint, a hollow joint member having longitudinally extending bearing surfaces therein. a second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means in rockable and longitudinally siidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torque-transmitting swivel connection, said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts. an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said torque-transmitting shafts, said hollow joint member being rockable in said outer housing, resilient rubber disposed between said hollow joint member and outer housing for cushioning such rocking, a quantity of dry lubn' cating powder loose in said hollow joint member, and means for retaining said powder in said hollow joint member.

6. In a universal joint, a hollow joint member having longitudinally extending bearing surfaces therein, a second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means in rockable and longitudinally slidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torque-transmitting swivel connection, said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said torque-transmitting shafts, bearing means supporting said hollow joint member in said outer housing so as to permit relative rocking therebetween, resilient rubber disposed between Said hollow joint member and outer housing for cushioning said relative rocking, a quantity of dry lubricating powder loose in said hollow joint member and outer housing, and means sealing said outer housing against loss of said powder.

7. In a universal joint, a hollow joint member open at its ends and having longitudinally coextending spaced cylindrical bearing surfacef therein, a second joint member extending int( said hollow joint member and having portion rockable and longitudinally slidable in said cylin drical bearing surfaces, said second joint membe being adapted for connection with one of a pai of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housin,Y comprising a cup section disposed around sai: hollow joint member and a cover section, sai( cup section having its end wall adapted for conA nection with the Outer of said torque-transmitting shafts, said cover section being connected with said cup section and having an opening through vhich said second joint memberextends, bearing neans supporting said hollow joint member for relative rocking in said outer housing, and resil- .ent rubber disposed between said outer housing md the ends and sides of said hollow Joint nember.

8. In a universal joint, a, hollow Joint member having a longitudinal central cylindrical bearing oortion and outer longitudinal cylindrical bearing portions on opposite sides of and communicating with, said central cylindrical bearing portion, a second joint member having a centering ball portion rockable and longitudinally slidable in said central cylindrical bearing portion and other portions rockable and longitudinally slidable in said outer cylindrical bearing portions, said second Joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow ioint member and adapted for connection with the other of said shafts, bearing means supportlng and centering said hollow vjoint member in said outer housing and permitting relative rocking of the hollow joint member therein, and resilient rubber providing a cushioning means between said hollow Joint member and outer housing.

`9. In a universal joint of the character described, a hollow joint member having longitudinal bearing surfaces therein, a second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means in rockable and longitudinally slidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torquetransmit ting swivel connection, said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a Pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said shafts, a plurality of spaced pairs of cooperating arcuate bearing surfaces rockably mounting said hollow joint member in said outer housing, said arcuate bearing surfaces being substantially concentric with the common axis of said hollow Joint member and outer housing and one bearing surface of each of said pairs being formed by a bearing strip extending axially between said hollow joint member and outer housing, and resilient rubber providing a cushioning means between said hollow joint member and said outer housing.

10. In a universal joint of the character described, a hollow joint member having longitudinally extending spaced bearing surfaces therein, a second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means in rockable and longitudinally slidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torque-transmitting swivel connection, said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a. pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said shafts, a plurality of spaced pairs of cooperating arcuate bearing surfaces rockably mounting said hollow joint member in said outer housing, said arcuate bearing surfaces being substantially concentric with the common axis of said hollow joint member and outer housing, and resilient rubber disposed between said hollow joint member and outer housing for cushioning the relative rocking therebetween.

1i. In a universal joint of the character described, a hollow Joint member having bearing surfaces therein, a. second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means cooperating with said bearing surfaces so as to provide a' torque-transmitting swivel connectionl said second Joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said shafts, and a plurality of spaced strip-like bodies of resilient rubber extending between said hollow joint member and outer housing, said bodies having a facing of relatively thin' flexible metal united thereto.

12. In a universal joint of the character ciescribed, a hollow joint member having bearing surfaces therein, said hollow joint member being of generally quadrangular cross-sectional shape and having an axially extending intermediate body portion and relatively reduced axially extending portions projecting from said body portion, a second joint member extending into said hollow joint member and having means in rockable and axially slidable engagement with said bearing surfaces so as to provide an extensible torque-transmitting swivel connection. said second joint member being adapted for connection with one of a pair of torque-transmitting shafts, an outer housing of substantially quadrangular cross-sectional shape disposed around said hollow joint member and adapted for connection with the other of said shafts, bearing means supporting said hollow joint member in vsaid outer housing for relative rocking about their common axis, and axially' extending bodies of resilient rubber disposed between said outer housing and said relatively reduced portions of the hollow Joint member.

JACOB RUSH SNYDER. 

